Knife victim clinging to life

A man was clinging to life in hospital last night after being stabbed through the heart in what police are calling a domestic-related incident.

Paramedics and police were called to a house in the 100 block of Applefield Cl. S.E. after a homeowner reported a male tenant had been stabbed shortly after 7:30 p.m.

"We just heard this funny noise like somebody throwing their body up against the door," said the homeowner, who asked to remain unidentified. The homeowner and her husband heard a slurred voice through the door, which they opened to find the tenant bleeding.

"I noticed a knife in his hand, he fell on the floor and we called 9ll."

Paramedics discovered the victim was bleeding profusely and called for a police escort to clear roads as the ambulance rushed to Foothills Hospital.

Officers took the victim's wife into custody and social services officials were called to care for the couple's child.

"The male victim is in critical and life-threatening condition and is undergoing emergency surgery," said Insp. Rene Bailly.

The married couple, in their late 20s, moved into the Applewood basement suite in July 2001, said the homeowner, who described them as a quiet couple with an 18-month-old baby.

"This is not normal," said the homeowner. "I'm petrified."

Local resident Deverne Geiger, 39, arrived home to find his neighbour's home cordoned off.

"I just don't like seeing stuff like this on my block", he said.

Kevin Milnes, 48, and his wife Wanda, 47, said they rarely saw the family.